PHILADELPHIA — Michal Neuvirth stopped 31 shots in his first start of the playoff series, helping the Flyers stave off a sweep with a 2-1 win over the Capitals on Wednesday night.
The Capitals still lead the series 3-1 headed into Game 5 on Friday night in Washington.
Shayne Gostisbehere and Andrew MacDonald each scored for the Flyers.
Neuvirth was sensational in the third after T.J. Oshie scored early in the period to make it 2-1.
The Capitals still have never swept a best-of-seven playoff series.
“Every series is about getting the four. We need to get the four,” Washington coach Barry Trotz said.
The game was marred by a scary hit that saw Flyers center Scott Laughton leave on a stretcher.
The team said all tests were negative and that Laughton will remain overnight at a hospital for precautionary reasons.
Laughton stumbled and hit his head on the boards after tangling with Washington defenseman John Carlson behind the Capitals’ net late in the first period.
Laughton went down in a heap face-first and was immobile for several minutes, then talked to medical personal as they strapped him on the board.
Panthers 2, Islanders 1•NEW YORK — Alex Petrovic scored the tiebreaking goal midway through the third period and the Panthers beat the Islanders to even their first-round playoff series at two games apiece.
Teddy Purcell also scored for Florida and Jaromir Jagr had an assist for his 200th career playoff point. Roberto Luongo stopped 26 shots.
John Tavares had his third goal of the series for New York, and Thomas Greiss finished with 27 saves.
The Panthers got their first playoff road win since April 17, 2012, against New Jersey in Game 3 of the first round.
Stars 3, Wild 2•ST. PAUL, Minn. — Jason Spezza scored the go-ahead goal late in the second period, and the Stars rallied for a victory to take a 3-1 series lead over the Wild.
Shaw suspended 1 game•CHICAGO — The NHL suspended Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw for one game for yelling an anti-gay slur from the penalty box and fined him $5,000 for an inappropriate gesture toward the officials during Chicago’s Game 4 loss to the Blues.
Shaw will miss Game 5 in St. Louis on Thursday and he will be required to undergo sensitivity training.
